How to Make the Most of the Waiting Period

From my year’s worth of college memories, one of the easiest periods was the waiting period. That’s right—I said easiest.   What was the hardest? Probably filling out the application (I was incredibly afraid of making a single spelling mistake and actually quadruple-checked my application for any possible errors). Now you might ask yourself, “CJ, how on earth could you say that? That seems utterly backwards!” If you don’t mind, allow me to share with you the advice my family members gave to me: your work is already completed.

After clicking “submit,” that snapshot of your personality, condensed into a multi-paged document and filled with alluring details about a life-changing experience or hardship you have overcome, is now gone. You just relinquished whatever amount of control you had, and that’s okay. In fact, you asked to be put in this position, because you may have wanted a change of scenery.  All the work you have put into your application/s in order to get to this position is done, and you cannot do anything more. Waiting is your new role in the process, so accept and revel in it!

In short: relax, take a deep breath, and go on experiencing life. Wait, House of Cards just came out on Netflix? Or what about making plans for the Reel Paddling Film Festival at the Byrd in Richmond this weekend? Keep living your life, exploring anything and everything that seems even remotely appealing, and you’ll most likely find a new hobby over the coming weeks. Before you know it, a decision will come.

– CJ Anderson